8/17 - Colossians 3, Part 3

We've talked about the things in our lives that need to be put to death. Each of us know what some of these things are but I'd encourage you to pray for God to continue to reveal everything He wants out of your life. We can sometimes, whether consciously or subconsciously, convince ourselves that certain things in our lives are ok, when God would really want them removed. Read Psalm 139:23 -24 and ask God to search your heart to determine where you fall short. If you don't read any more of this post, please do this.

After Paul deals with what we need to put to death in our lives, in verses 12-17 he discusses what needs to come to life within us: humility, mercy, patience, forgiveness. One of the most convicting things my old pastor Reggie would say is that we ought to forgive others with the same measure that Christ forgave us. I didn't know until later (and clearly I wasn't paying full attention) that this is explicitly stated in verse 13. Considering how we treat Christ, how our actions are so often a slap in the face of a Savior who was beaten beyond recognition on our behalf (Isaiah 52:14), I'd say the bar is raised pretty high on how forgiving we ought to be. "I'll forgive but I won't forget" doesn't carry much weight in light of God's standard for forgiveness.

In order for us to replace our old ways with the new virtues from this passage, Paul give us a hint: at the core of these things is love. Developing a love for others like Christ had. This sort of love can only be formed by fervent prayer and diligent practice. It takes practice to show love to those who don't show it to you. This sort of thing won't just come overnight. Of course another key in this is developing a heart that desires what God desires and the only way to know what He desires is by reading His word. Verse 16, "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom..."

God, grant me an intense passion for Your word & the desire to love others like You do. Reveal to me what you want removed from my life & give me the courage to change. I want to be more like you & whatever pain comes along with is well worth it, just be pleasing to You.